What does Exodus 23:1 mean?
ESV: "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
NIV: "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.
NASB: You shall not give a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked person to be a malicious witness.
CSB: "You must not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked to be a malicious witness.
NLT: You must not pass along false rumors. You must not cooperate with evil people by lying on the witness stand.
KJV: Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
NKJV: “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 23:1–9 requires impartial judgment under Israelite law. God's people are not to accept bribes or spread lies. They are not to follow popular opinion when that view is unjust. Neither being rich nor being poor should be an advantage in matters of judgment. Israelites must be fair and honest, even when dealing with their adversaries. Judgments should not be used to intimidate or punish foreigners and travelers.
Chapter Summary:
These laws mandate fair judgment, with no bias given for or against the rich, the poor, or foreign travelers. God commands Israel not to follow popular sentiment when it is unjust. Other rules require letting fields grow wild every seven years for the benefit of the land, the poor, and wild animals. The Lord then warns Israel about obedience. If they follow His will, an angel will guide them as they conquer the entire Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).
Chapter Context:
After receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17), Israel learns other laws from the Lord. Chapters 21 and 22 covered topics such as servants' rights, homicide, negligence, theft, and social justice. This chapter mandates certain yearly festivals and forbids bias in judgments. It also instructs Israel regarding their upcoming conquest of the Promised Land. Chapter 24 describes a ritual confirmation of the Mosaic covenant. Most chapters after that involve details of the tabernacle.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
Accessed 6/14/2025 11:05:43 PM
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